Mitchell gets a life from stars return

It’s onwards and upwards from here. That’s the simple philosophy that Queensland Harness Racing owner Greg Mitchell is carrying after a spate of setbacks ruled out many of his current racing team.

With the winter carnival now upon us, Mitchell was looking forward to being part of the action but a number of his troops have been sent to the spelling paddock owing to injury.

But every cloud has a silver lining.

Both Alleluia and Our Overanova, the two best performers for Mitchell are ready to fill the void.

“Yeah, it’s been a lean period recently with many of the team succumbing to injury including the likes of Only The Brave, Major Moment and a few others. The timing was unfortunate but nobody can predict these things so it’s best to turn the page and having both Youi (Alleluia) and Nova (Our Overanova) back is a great start.” Mitchell said.

The classy Alleluia has not raced since competing in the Queensland Pacing Championship last October after suffering a type of shin soreness.

The multiple feature race winner was given a lengthy break away from racing but returns to the trials tomorrow (Tuesday) for trainer/driver Grant Dixon.

But he won’t be rushed back into the upcoming features.

“We’ve been very diligent with his time away from the track and his rehabilitation and despite the fact the big races are tempting, we’ll stick to our original plan. I know Grant is very happy with the way he’s training and the public hit-out this week will be a good start point.

“In a perfect world, the features at Redcliffe at the back end of the carnival will be his main targets, races like the Patrons Purse and a repeat of his Redcliffe Cup is the main aim. We’ll be under able to get a few races under his belt and that should have him peaking for the Redcliffe features.

“Nova is back from his southern campaign and he’ll be starting this weekend, his record at is great and the Marathon on July 9 is an obvious target for him. He was a bit unlucky in a number of races for Mick (Stanley – trainer/driver) so I was happy with his efforts.”

Alleluia scored an outstanding victory in last year’s Redcliffe Cup when he set a new track record.

The Listed $25,000 Chris Garrard Patrons Purse is scheduled for July 22 while the Gr.3 $30,000 Redcliffe Cup is the following week.